Would you like a secure, permanent way to replace missing teeth? Fixed bridges, aka dental bridges, are a wonderful way to refresh your smile with natural-looking, durable teeth. Downey Dental Arts can make this happen with our state-of-the-art dental bridge technologies in Southern California.
Fixed bridges, also called dental bridges, replace missing teeth in a manner similar to dentures, but bridges are fixed in place. The thing that makes a fixed bridge different from other dental appliances is that a dental bridge replaces teeth by using the surrounding teeth as anchors for the new teeth. Thus, the new teeth “bridge” the gap.
Fixed bridges have many great benefits over full or partial dentures. While dentures are very low in cost, they must be taken out every night and cleaned with a special cleaner. Fixed dental bridges are not removable. To clean them, you just brush your teeth like normal. Dental bridges provide the appearance of natural teeth with durability and convenience.
Quite a few of our patients are interested in fixed dental bridges because they don’t like the feel of removable dentures. One of the frequently asked questions we get about bridges is: how comfortable are dental bridges? The answer is they are quite comfortable because, once they are in place, you really can’t tell the difference between your fixed bridge teeth and your regular teeth.
Missing teeth aren’t just an embarrassing cosmetic issue. They can greatly impact your oral health in a negative way. Missing teeth cause spacing problems that can lead to misalignment of the other teeth, as well as your bite and jaw. Gum health may be affected if other teeth aren’t aligned properly and become harder to clean, increasing the possibility of periodontal (gum) disease.
We offer three types of fixed bridges at Downey Dental Arts: traditional bridges, Maryland-bonded bridges, and cantilever bridges.
The traditional fixed bridge utilizes two dental crowns on either side of the tooth gap, and then new teeth are placed and secured between the crowns to mimic natural teeth.
Another type of fixed bridge is a Maryland bonded bridge, which is also called a resin-bonded bridge. This type of dental bridge does not use crowns as the anchors for the bridge. Metal or porcelain wings are attached to the back of the surrounding teeth, and the new teeth are secured to the wings.
A cantilever bridge is similar to a half-bridge. Instead of two adjacent teeth being used to secure the new tooth or teeth, just one tooth is used to secure the cantilever bridge.
Fixed dental bridges can last from approximately 5 to 15 years, and they will last longer if you take care of them properly. Don’t abuse your teeth with bad habits such as crunching on ice cubes, and your dental bridge should last a long time.
The first step in getting a fixed bridge is to visit us at Downey Dental Arts in Southern California. We will take precision X-rays and examine your teeth and gums to see if a dental bridge might be the best option for you in treatment. Digital imaging and/or impressions will be taken of your teeth to help create your fixed dental bridge. We will supply a temporary dental bridge until your fixed bridge is ready.
Once the fixed dental bridge is situated, you will need approximately a week or two to fully recover, although you will be able to use your new teeth right away! Overall, recovery should be fairly easy. You might feel a little bit of light pain and tenderness, but over-the-counter pain medications can help ease this feeling.
Fixed dental bridges can range in price from $500 to $1,500 for each tooth. However, the exact cost will depend on each patient’s particular needs and the materials used in the bridge, such as metal vs. porcelain. Your dental insurance coverage may help with these costs. Be sure to contact our friendly staff at Downey Dental Arts for more information on our financing plans.
Fixed Dental Bridges in Downey
Contact us today by calling (562) 445-3363 to schedule an appointment at Downey Dental Arts to discuss fixed dental bridges.
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